TVR Chimaera with square rear numberplate indent

[Warbas]

Hi Guys

I'm new to Pistonheads and new to the TVR scene.

I purchased a Japanese TVR which was imported into Australia.

This TVR has provisions for a square number plate and has number plate lights that illuminate down onto the number plate, rather than from behind.

Does anyone know if TVR brought out a Chimaera like this or do you think the back of the car has been modified?

If it's been modified they have done a good job.

Also my rear number plate is on hinges?

Any advise would be most appreciated

Thanks

David

[DennisTheMenace]

What does it look like from inside? That will tell you more than the prepped outside.

The hinged plate, that might be either a way to change it, or the clue is in the handbook (should you have no power to the boot solenoid)

[Belle427]

It was standard for a jap car, was it called a clubman?

[Warbas]

Hi Dennis, thanks for your reply

I will see if I can get more pictures tonight and send them in the morning

The hinge allows you to get to the lock that is hidden behind the number plate
If you look closely you can see it on the bottom left of the cut out
This enables you to unlock the car if you have a flat battery using the ignition key
D

[Krikkit]

I'd be shocked if that wasn't a factory fit, looks too well done, and being fibreglass they could've stuck a piece into the mould for a Japanese export

[Warbas]

Hi Belle

I don't know mate.

I have a few problems as the car was originally imported into Australia as a Tarmac Race Rally car and not to be driven on the road
A previous oner managed to get it registered. I then purchased it, tried to get it registered in Queensland and found I couldn't.

I have had to reimport the car on paper and now have to get it compliance plated so i can then drive it
I was unaware of all this when I bought it so ended up with a project LOL

[Warbas]

Hi Krikkit

I agree, it seems to have been done so precise, but can't find a picture of another like it

D

[Belle427]

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=17...

[Jonmx]

You're on the right forum. Have a poke around in the TVR section of the site and there's a wealth of knowledge. I wouldn't be surprised if someone knows the car as the TVR world is a pretty small one.

[Warbas]

Hi Belle427
That was brilliant. It explains a lot.
Very interesting read
Thanks

[andy43]

Yes it’s a Japanese market Clubman. It’ll probably have aircon - I think they all did. I had a 1997/8 japanese Griffith B275 that had the same plate recess and a 4 litre HC engine - not something available in other markets. Plus point could be a good rust free underside - mine was very very good underneath.

[Warbas]

Hi Andy, yes, the chassis is in great condition. The whole car is pretty good and has done 106,000Ks. just over 60,000 miles.
May I ask what you have done to get your number plate to fit?
I have thought up a few scenarios, some better than others. I haven't made up my mind yet
D

[Warbas]

Also, did your Giff have sill kick plates?
Mine doesn't, just painted Sills.
I would love to get my hands on a set
D

[andy43]

Warbas said:

Hi Andy, yes, the chassis is in great condition. The whole car is pretty good and has done 106,000Ks. just over 60,000 miles.
May I ask what you have done to get your number plate to fit?
I have thought up a few scenarios, some better than others. I haven't made up my mind yet
D

I used fancyplates who I’ve bought all my plates off for years - I ordered a JDM rear plate - just check the size of the plate needed and it should match what’s used on all grey import jap cars. It’d be a heck of a lot of work to get the rear redone even if you got a section from a uk car and had it grafted in.
I don’t think mine had sill plates. Thought the chassis would be good - until it got to the uk chances are it won’t have seen salt.